New Technologies and Public Spaces: Supporting Sustainable Urban Policies

Abstract

AbstractNew technologies add value to public spaces if these are used to support the knowledge of a place and its use. The presence of wireless, multimedia support, apps and different ICT tools constitute elements, which can support the knowledge aspects of the place with its different characteristics and can be designed in a logic of integration with other infrastructure and networks in the city. Furthermore, the presence on social media, even if not exhaustive—as the presence of that public space as a background to a photo does not guarantee that it is a pleasant and successful space—offers, however, within a more comprehensive framework of information, data on the type and quantity of users and their perception of it. Indeed, new technologies in their different forms become more and more important tools to provide deeper knowledge of the place, participation, and to address sustainable urban policies. Starting from these premises, the aim of this work, carried out in the framework of the research project “PRIN2020 #20209F3A37”, within the ISMed-CNR Unit with the author’s responsibility and the related Sapienza Università di Roma-ISMed-CNR agreement, is to illustrate the positive influence of ICT tools on the use of both indoor and outdoor public spaces by: revitalizing them; increasing the possibilities of use as well as contributing to greater social cohesion; and supporting sustainable urban policies. By way of examples, two emblematic case studies of public spaces will be illustrated using an original and an ad hoc database.